East China's coastal city of Qingdao is one of the co-hosts for this year's Olympic Games. As competitors pour in from overseas, local artists are playing an important role in ensuring that the athletes receive a warm welcome.

At Qingdao Olympic Village, one of the favorite places among visiting athletes is the exhibition hall called The Imagery of China. The huge showroom is a veritable museum of China's traditional folk arts. In addition to thousands of items on display, folk artists are demonstrating the process of how these works of art actually are created. There are embroideries, Chinese knots, pottery, etchings, and the making of musical instruments.

Since its opening two weeks ago, the exhibition has proven a huge attraction for Olympic Village residents. Visitors are getting a chance to gain some hands-on experience. They can learn from the masters about the essence of traditional Chinese folk arts. Among the athletes favorite arts are wood carving, pottery, and calligraphy.